Dancing Through Life’s Challenges: Tia Stokes’ Journey of Hope and Resilience

By Dr. Lance Knaub | Moving Mountains Podcast

In a recent episode of Moving Mountains, host Dr. Lance Knaub sat down with Tia Stokes, a social media influencer, dancer, and founder of The Vault for a Cause. Tia’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of dance. From battling leukemia to inspiring millions worldwide, her journey is a testament to turning obstacles into opportunitie

From Professional Dancer to Dancing for a Cause

Tia’s love for dance began at age 10 in her Polynesian family. By her senior year of high school, she was dancing professionally for Beyoncé and later performed at NFL and NBA halftime shows. At 21, she shifted her focus to using dance as a force for good, founding Calamity, a hip-hop group that initially started as a creative outlet but soon became a movement.

After organizing a benefit concert for a dancer battling cancer, Tia realized Calamity stood for “dancing for people going through real-life calamities.” Seventeen years later, her organization has raised nearly $2 million for families in need and expanded to The Vault Dance Studio, where students learn to “dance for a cause.”

A Personal Battle: Leukemia and the Power of Community

At 34, Tia faced her own calamity: a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolated in the hospital, she turned to TikTok, posting daily dances with messages of hope, gratitude, and faith. Her vulnerability resonated globally, sparking the viral movement Red for Tia Day, where millions danced in solidarity.

Tia’s mantra during her darkest moments? “Focus on the next five minutes.” She credits this mindset, along with movement, gratitude, and prayer, for her survival. Now in remission, she emphasizes the importance of rest, nutrition, and positive affirmations—lessons she learned the hard way.

Key Takeaways for Overcoming Adversity

Movement is Medicine: Tia advocates for at least 15 minutes of daily movement to boost physical and mental health.

Gratitude Shifts Perspective: She starts each day by journaling three things she’s grateful for.

Small Steps Matter: Break overwhelming challenges into manageable increments—focus on the “next five minutes.”

Community is Everything: Tia’s recovery was fueled by the love and prayers of her global support network.

The Future: Expanding Impact

Tia’s vision is to grow Calamity worldwide, partnering with organizations like Dancers Against Cancer and Be the Match. Her message is clear: “Your superhero power is you. There’s only one of you, and your impact is unique.”

How to Connect with Tia

Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook: @TiaStokes

Learn about her studio and nonprofit: thevaultdance.com

Support her causes or book her for speaking engagements: shop.tia.org

Tia’s story reminds us that even in life’s toughest battles, we can choose joy, purpose, and connection. As she puts it, “Yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift—that’s why we call it the present.”

Watch the full episode of Moving Mountains for more inspiration, and join Tia in dancing through life’s challenges!